My 'System' Is Myself!?

Genichi temporarily pushed the matter of Ishtar to the back of his mind, but the disgust remained like a snake coiled in his stomach, impossible to shake off.

He took a deep breath and forced his attention back to the matter at hand.

"I have an idea for dealing with Loki."

His voice was calm, but Demeter could hear the faint strain beneath it.

She watched him and waited for him to continue.

"We use Ais as leverage," Genichi said quietly. "We make Loki surrender her authority willingly."

Astraea frowned slightly.

"How?"

"By resurrecting Ais's parents."

Genichi spoke as casually as if he were discussing the weather.

"Albert Waldstein and Alicia Waldstein. If I bring them back to life, what do you think Loki will choose?"

Demeter and Astraea exchanged a glance, each seeing the same complicated emotions in the other's eyes.

His plan had a very real chance of succeeding.

Everyone knew how deeply Loki doted on Ais.

She would do anything for her, including offending other gods, breaking the rules, and paying any price necessary to protect her.

If Genichi resurrected Ais's parents, gave her a family again, and ended her loneliness, Loki would almost certainly agree if Ais asked her to.

When the time came, Loki would hardly refuse to share a small portion of her authority with Genichi.

"It might work," Astraea said hesitantly. "But I'm afraid you'll expose your abilities."

"I don't think there's anything in Orario right now that poses a serious threat to me," Genichi replied calmly. "So it should be fine. Even if my abilities are exposed, it doesn't matter."

Demeter and Astraea rolled their eyes at him simultaneously.

Their gazes contained helplessness, concern, and a trace of reproach that plainly asked how he could be so naive.

"Don't forget the divine power of a Goddess of Beauty," Demeter said seriously. "What will you do if Ishtar ambushes you?"

Genichi's expression stiffened.

"If she suddenly charms you and you can't resist it, Ishtar will take control of you. You'll become another slave at her feet," Astraea added, her voice carrying rare gravity.

Genichi's expression darkened.

He knew perfectly well how terrifying Ishtar's charm was. Her authority was not something raw strength could overcome.

It bypassed every defense and struck directly at the most vulnerable desires buried within the soul.

As long as someone felt the slightest attraction toward her, experienced a single moment of hesitation, or revealed even the smallest opening, she could seize it and place them completely under her control.

Previously, Genichi had nearly succumbed after merely being grazed by the residual effects of her charm through a wall. If he faced her directly, he would have no chance of resisting.

"That really is a problem," Genichi admitted, unwillingness creeping into his voice. "But if I take action, I'm bound to expose some of my abilities."

There was no way around that obstacle.

He had to cast his resurrection magic. Acquiring divine authority required a process, and Loki would inevitably express her gratitude.

All of that would expose his abilities. The outside world would learn that he could resurrect the dead, and Ishtar's attention would inevitably fall upon him.

If he wanted to acquire the authority of other gods, his abilities would be exposed sooner or later.

No secret remained hidden forever.

Genichi closed his eyes, and Ishtar's alluring face appeared in his mind.

When he opened them again, disgust flashed through his gaze.

He had never felt the slightest affection for that woman. From the first time he saw her, and especially from the moment he learned that she had ambushed Demeter, he had regarded her with nothing but revulsion.

It was not hatred. Hatred at least contained some measure of emotion.

This was disgust, pure, absolute, and rooted deep within his bones.

But he knew that woman would not leave him alone.

From what he knew of Ishtar, that bitch was capable of anything.

She would pay any price to eliminate Freya. She would use any means necessary to obtain greater power. She would trample anyone beneath her feet to satisfy her own desires.

If she learned about Genichi's abilities, discovered that he could resurrect the dead, and realized that he could acquire divine authority, she would undoubtedly make a move against him.

It was not merely possible.

It was certain.

She might very well ambush him.

And if Genichi could not resist her charm, he really could end up as a puppet in her hands.

The mere thought of becoming Ishtar's plaything, being controlled and exploited by her, and obeying her commands like a dog filled him with overwhelming nausea.

It felt like countless insects were crawling beneath his skin, a venomous snake was coiling around his throat, and an unseen hand was digging through his organs.

The color drained from Genichi's face, only to return moments later.

He clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles turned white and his fingernails dug into his palms.

He inhaled deeply, then slowly exhaled, forcing himself to calm down.

"Ishtar," he muttered, suppressed anger seeping into his voice. "That bitch."

Demeter watched him, her heart aching.

She understood what Genichi was enduring: the helplessness of living under a threat, the frustration of being unable to kill his enemy while constantly fearing an ambush, and the sickening sensation of having swallowed a fly.

She stepped forward and gently embraced him, pressing her cheek against his chest.

"Don't rush, Genichi."

Her voice was quiet and tender.

"We'll find a way."

Genichi wrapped his arms around her and closed his eyes.

He could feel her warmth, her heartbeat, and every breath she took.

Everything warm, soft, and distinctly Demeter slowly drove away the darkness within him.

"I know," he said hoarsely. "I just hate feeling this powerless."

Astraea stepped forward as well and embraced him from behind.

Her body trembled slightly, though whether it was from nervousness or something else, Genichi could not tell.

"You aren't alone, Genichi. We're all here with you. No matter how powerful Ishtar's authority may be, she is still only one goddess. We can find a way to deal with her."

Genichi opened his eyes, a faint light flashing within them.

"What kind of way?"

Astraea remained silent for a moment before answering.

"Win over a virgin goddess and obtain her authority first. Virgin goddesses are immune to the charm of Goddesses of Beauty. If you acquire that authority, you might gain the same immunity."

Genichi frowned slightly.

"Winning over an ordinary goddess is already difficult. A virgin goddess would be even harder!"

"Not necessarily. We believe in you."

Demeter raised her head from his chest, her eyes gleaming.

Genichi fell silent for a moment before nodding.

"Then I'll try."

His voice was calm, but determination flashed through his eyes.

"Artemis is the only virgin goddess currently in Orario, correct?"

(End of Chapter)

[Get +30 Extra Chapters On — P@tr3on "Zaelum"]

[Every 300 Power Stones = 1 Bonus Chapter Drop]

[Thanks for Reading!]